DANELEC, DM 100 VDR (VOYAGE DATA RECORDER)

The Danelec DM100 VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) is a state-of-the-art “black box” for ships, meticulously designed to meet and exceed the latest international maritime regulations for accident investigation and operational insight. It records and stores crucial information regarding a vessel’s position, movement, physical status, and command and control, providing an invaluable record for the period leading up to and following any incident.

Core Purpose and Functionality:

Accident Investigation: Its primary role is to assist accident investigators by providing a comprehensive, time-stamped record of bridge activity and vessel data. This “forensic” data helps in understanding the sequence of events and identifying the causes of maritime incidents.
Data Recording: The DM100 continuously records a wide array of data from the ship’s sensors and systems, including:
- Bridge Audio: Conversations on the bridge, VHF communications.
- Radar Image: The radar display, providing a visual record of surrounding traffic and navigation.
- ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) Information: Chart display, route plans, and navigational data.
- Ship’s Position: GPS/GNSS data (latitude, longitude, speed, course).
- Helm & Engine Commands: Rudder angle, engine RPM, propeller pitch.
- Alarms: All alarms generated on the bridge.
- Environmental Data: Wind speed/direction, depth, etc.
- Other Critical Sensors: Data from various other sensors essential for understanding vessel status.
Secure Data Storage: The recorded data is stored securely in robust, tamper-proof capsules designed to withstand extreme conditions (fire, impact, deep water submersion). The DM100 typically utilizes both a Protective Fixed Capsule (for internal, long-term storage) and a Float-Free Capsule (which detaches and floats to the surface in the event of a sinking, equipped with an EPIRB and acoustic beacon).
Regulatory Compliance: The DM100 VDR is fully compliant with the stringent requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under MSC.333(90) and the associated IEC performance standards (e.g., IEC 61996-1 Ed. 2). This makes it mandatory for passenger ships and cargo vessels of 3,000 gross tonnage and above constructed on or after July 1, 2002.

Technical Specification

General System Compliance & Standards:

IMO Compliance:
- Resolution MSC.333(90) – Revised Performance Standards for Shipborne Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs).
- Applicable SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 18 and 20.
IEC Standards:
- IEC 61996-1 Ed.2 (2013) and later amendments (e.g., Ed.2.1 2021) – Performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results for VDRs.
- IEC 60945 – General requirements for maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment.
- IEC 61162-1/2/450 – Digital interfaces (NMEA 0183, Ethernet).
- IEC 61097-2 Ed.3/4 – COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB (for Float-Free Capsule).
Type Approval: Wheelmark (MED) approved by major classification societies (e.g., DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, Bureau Veritas).
Intended Application: Passenger ships and cargo vessels of 3,000 Gross Tonnage and above, constructed on or after July 1, 2002.

2. System Architecture (Typical Components):

Data Acquisition Unit (DAU): The central processing and storage unit.
Protective Fixed Capsule (PFC): A secure, deck-mounted recording unit.
Float-Free Capsule (FFC): An automatically releasing, buoyant recording unit with EPIRB/AIS.
Bridge Control Panel (BCP): Operator interface on the bridge.
Bridge Microphones: Indoor and outdoor units for audio recording.
Sensor Interface Units (SIU): Optional modular units for expanded data inputs (Serial, Analog, Digital).
Remote Data/Video/Audio Interfaces: Optional units for distributed data acquisition.
VDR Explorer Playback Software: PC-based software for data review.
Optional: Extended Data Storage, Vessel Remote Server (for DanelecConnect).

3. Data Recording Capacity:

DAU (Internal Storage): Minimum 30 days of recorded data on built-in SSD.
Protective Fixed Capsule: Minimum 48 hours of recorded data.
Float-Free Capsule: Minimum 48 hours of recorded data.
Extended Data Storage (Optional): Up to 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months (or more) using SSD/HDD, depending on configuration (e.g., 512GB, 1TB, 3.8TB, 7.6TB, or RAID configurations).

4. Data Inputs (Typical):

Bridge Audio & VHF: 10 inputs (expandable with Remote Audio Interface).
Serial Data (IEC 61162-1/2/Modbus): 12 inputs on DAU (expandable with SIUs, typically 8 inputs per SIU/Remote Data Interface).
Ethernet Data (IEC 61162-450): 7 inputs (1000BASE-T) on DAU.
Analog Data: 8 or 16 inputs per SIU / Remote Data Interface.
Digital Data: 64 inputs (compact SIU) / 48 inputs (modular SIU) / 24 inputs (Remote Data Interface).
Video Recording: 2 inputs for video recording (RGBHV analog or DVI-D/DVI-A digital) via Remote Video Interface.
Specific Data Items (as per IMO/IEC):
- Date and Time
- Ship’s Position (GNSS/GPS)
- Speed (Through water and Over ground)
- Heading
- Bridge Audio (all conversations, alarms, communications)
- Communication Audio (VHF, internal comms)
- Radar Image (X-band and S-band, post-display selection)
- ECDIS Image & Chart Data (post-display selection, if suitable output available)
- Echo Sounder (if fitted)
- Main Alarms
- Rudder Order and Response
- Engine and Thruster Order and Response (RPM, pitch)
- Hull Opening (doors) status
- Watertight and Fire Door Status
- Accelerations and Hull Stresses (if measured)
- Wind Speed and Direction (if fitted)
- AIS Information
- Electronic Inclinometer (if fitted)
- Configuration Data
- Electronic Logbook (if integrated)

5. Protected Recording Mediums Specifications:

Protective Fixed Capsule (PFC):
- Recording Capacity: 48 hours.
- Acoustic Underwater Beacon (ULB): 90 days operating life.
- Cable Length: Supplied with 50 meters cable.
- Interface: Ethernet (100BASE-TX), Power over Ethernet (PoE) from DAU.
- Survival: Designed to survive fire, shock, penetration, and deep-sea pressure.
- Dimensions: Approx. W: 360 mm, H: 195 mm, D: 208 mm.
- Weight: Approx. 8 kg.